Macedonia

It has been a really long time since my last blog...like a year. oops. But, I'm now back in the blogging world, with an update  from Macedonia!!!

I've only been here 4 days, but I 'hit the ground running' so it feels like I've been here a lot longer (but in a good way). I am living with 2 girls named Ginna and Hannah. They are journey-girls with the IMB. They have a cute little apartment here in Ohrid. They are here working with an amazing family, the Davises(Brian, Mandy, Kate who is 4 and Thomas who is 2). I have also got to hang out with some of Hannah and Ginna's friends. A lot of the young people here speak at least some English. They learn it in school or pick it up from watching American movies.

One of my favorite things to do so far is go to coffee. This is not like American's idea of going and glupping down coffee and chatting for 15 minutes. Here, coffee is a time to sit with one another, talk, laugh and just be. Coffee (in a home or out at a coffee place) last from and hour to 3 hours. The other night I went to coffee with Ginna and Hannah and 2 of their friends. We set by the lake, drank coffee, laughed, and watched the sun set. It was awesome!!!!!!!

I've been to two parties, one birthday party and one "half-graduation". Here, they have a big party when someone is 14 or 15 and half way through with high school. The family has a party, then the daughter or son go off to a prom-like-dance. The party was really fun, although I was completely lost. My new, English-speaking friend who was sitting beside me, got caught up in the conversation and forgot to translate. :) So I just smiled awkwardly. But I still had a blast!!

Today we had church at Brian and Mandy's house. It was really awesome to worship and be in the Word with them. Hannah translated what Brian was saying, so I got the gist of the message, but it was amazing to know we were all worshiping the same God, even though I couldn't understand what was being said. After, we set and talked and had coffee.

I've kinda learned my way around, sort of. The town (Ohrid) is a mix of tones and tones of stores, cute places to sit and have coffee, and homes on the huge hills/mountains that surround the town. The sidewalks are stone. Its so beautiful!!

I can not wait to see what else God is going to teach my while I'm here. I am already so amazed by everything I have seen. Some things have already broken my heart, and some things have made filled me with such joy all I can do is praise God. I am in love with this place and with God!!!!!!

Things I have learned the past 4 days.
1. Be completely fearless when crossing the street. Things like rules of the road, speed limits, the side of the road you should drive on, stop lights, etc..are just suggestions, not enforced rules.
2.wash dishes really fast. Hot water is in short supply.
3.Electricity is half price on Sundays.